The Massachusetts Digital Games Institute (MassDiGI) revealed a new program for students looking to jump into the wonderful world of game development called the MassDiGI Summer Innovation Program. The summer program, which will being in May at Becker College (Worcester, Mass), will be preceded by the MassDiGI Game Challenge competition being held April 13-15.

Students participating in the Summer Innovation Program get the chance to work on a game prototype from scratch with the help of industry professionals and a team of other students on the campus of Becker College. To be eligible to participate, students must be entering their junior or senior year at any regionally accredited four-year college or university program starting on March 15. Students accepted into the program receive free housing over the summer and a weekly stipend to cover expenses.

The MassDiGI Game Challenge (#digichallenge) and Summer Innovation Program are sponsored by Penny Arcade, Microsoft, Hitpoint Studios, Research in Motion, Muzzy Lane, Mass Technology Leadership Council, and Lycos/Gamesville.

"The MassDiGI Summer Innovation Program is not just another internship, but really provides aspiring students with everything they need to get involved in the video game industry," said Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D., president of Becker College and chair of the MassDiGI Advisory Board. "We are pleased to host this new program at Becker College and to welcome students from a variety of colleges and universities to our campus this summer."

"One of the founding principles of MassDiGI was to support higher education institutions and game companies as we work across academia, industry, and government to better prepare graduates for careers in the digital games space," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray. "As we work towards reaching this goal, the MassDiGI Summer Innovation Program will help connect digital games professionals with educators and students in an academic setting to foster greater collaboration, helping students and companies thrive in Massachusetts."

The Massachusetts Digital Games Institute (MassDiGI) is a statewide center set up by the Commonwealth that encourages academic cooperation, economic development, and job creation in the Massachusetts digital games industry. Based at Becker College, MassDiGI is the result of a collaboration between academia, state government, and the industry, aimed at growing the creative economy in Massachusetts. MassDiGI is also a U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) University Center.